Opening Of Aster & Links Project Set To Impress
FYI: 2023 K-1s are currently available at https://taxpackagesupport.com/
The Belpointe OZ team is excited to announce that the grand opening of the first of two towers at Aster & Links in downtown Sarasota, Florida will take place imminently. It’s an exciting time for all of us at Belpointe OZ and even more so for the first tenants that will experience the luxurious full-featured apartments and amenities of this Class A multifamily residential project that will be a landmark fixture in the downtown district.
Located at 1991 Main Street, Aster & Links is situated in Sarasota’s new sweet spot of urban development of thriving cultural arts, entertainment, restaurants, bars, weekend festivals, sport fishing, all manner of recreation and easy access to an international airport and some of the nicest beaches in the world. The attraction of this investment is the fact that not only does it offer compelling future income and capital appreciation potential, but also the extensive tax benefits from investing in what is arguably one of the most advantageous tax deferment programs provided by the IRS – Opportunity Zones.
We anticipate a rapid lease up period once future tenants tour the project, and we expect the second tower to open for new move ins during the second half of 2024. Pre-lease applications are underway through Greystar, one of the largest global property management companies.
Aster & Links is situated less than a mile from the world-renowned St. Armands Circle, Lido Point and Longboat Key. That said, it is our view that there is a major disconnect in the valuation of the company’s assets and where shares of Belpointe OZ (NYSE American: “OZ”) trade. Here too, we believe a significant opportunity lies in front of investors.
On February 29, 2024, Belpointe OZ (NYSE American: “OZ”) released its latest audited net asset value (“NAV”) for its Class A units. As of December 31, 2023, the NAV stood at $365.43 million, or $100.88 per Class A unit. “Despite current challenges and uncertainties in the commercial real estate market, including higher interest rates, tighter lending conditions and increased construction costs, we are pleased to announce that our NAV remains relatively stable” said Brandon Lacoff, CEO of Belpointe OZ.
Recent capital financing agreements have dramatically lowered the risk profile of Belpointe OZ’s construction to completion schedule that is, in our view, not being recognized by the market. We believe the NAV does not take into account the stabilized value of Aster & Links. At the current price of $60 per unit as of March 25, 2024, investors seeking upside potential as Aster & Links comes online are accumulating units at a nearly 40% discount to NAV.
The luxurious fit and finish of the common areas and of the apartments themselves are of the level that provides optionality to consider conversion to condominiums in the future as a potential exit strategy to maximize total returns to investors.
Investors and future tenants can now preview and pre-lease the available units and floorplans on the updated Aster & Links website, which displays the full-featured, Class A luxury apartment layouts with living spaces from 865 to 2,820 sq. feet, 1 bed/1 bath to 4 bed/3.5 bath and a wide array of options to fit the needs and wants of all future tenants. Below is a rendering of a 2,820 sq. foot two-level penthouse that will occupy the topmost floors of the Aster building.
The property will have 900 parking spaces, consisting of garage and surface parking. The development will offer full amenities, such as a clubroom, fitness room, center courtyard with heated saltwater pool, and rooftop amenities, including a community room and a private dining area for private events, as well as outdoor grills and seating. Careful planning of a full-featured residence should coincide with a full-featured lifestyle, and we believe Aster & Links will deliver on both aspirations.
Additionally, I’ve included a photo of 1000 First Avenue N (Viv) in St. Petersburg, Florida, another property in Belpointe OZ’s portfolio.
People have invested in OZ units because of the attractive tax benefits allowed by the Opportunity Zone program and should be aware that OZ is not a typical public REIT or partnership where stabilized and cash-flowing assets can be contributed day one. Qualified Opportunity Funds such as Belpointe OZ must invest in ground-up developments, where cash flow will take a number of years to achieve.
It is our view that investors seeking a deeply discounted real estate investment can exploit the unit price disparity from the current NAV on its own, not even taking into account the highly attractive tax benefits this Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund has to offer. As a stand-alone investment, Belpointe OZ is positioned strongly for a dynamic second and third quarter for its assets in Sarasota with excellent momentum into the next year with the St. Petersburg project moving forward.
Belpointe OZ
255 Glenville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831
T: (203) 883-1944
E: IR@belpointeoz.com
The information in this communication is for illustrative, educational and informational purposes only and is subject to change. Nothing in this communication is or should be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Offers may only be made by means of a prospectus.
Belpointe PREP, LLC (“Belpointe OZ”) has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Prior to making an investment decision, you should read Belpointe OZ’s prospectus and the other documents that it has filed with the SEC in their entirety, and carefully consider its investment objectives and strategy, risk factors, fees and expenses and any tax consequences that may results from an investment in the offering. Copies of these documents can be obtained free of charge from www.sec.gov or investors.belpointeoz.com or from any broker-dealer participating in the offering.
The information in this communication should not be relied upon as investment or tax advice. You should consult with your own investment and tax advisers concerning the federal, state and local income tax consequences of purchasing, owning or disposing of securities in the offering, and of Belpointe OZ’s election to qualify as a partnership and qualified opportunity fund for federal income tax purposes. There is no guarantee that Belpointe OZ will continue to qualify as a partnership or qualified opportunity fund.
Past performance is not an indicator or a guarantee of future performance. An investment in the offering to which this communication relates involves a high degree of risk, including a complete loss of your investment, and may not be suitable for all investors. The price of Belpointe OZ’s securities will fluctuate in market value and may trade above or below net asset value. Brokerage commissions and expenses will reduce returns.
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